There is a ton of information on the internet available about Petra. Maybe a little too much. A lot of online travel guides and blogs offer different routes that can be taken and I spent so much time to look into the most efficient, scenic route, as I was planning to spend just a day and a half in Petra.
It turns out the most logical route was my favourite way to visit Petra. Why it is my favourite hiking trail:
- You will be hiking at least 12 km, but the majority will be downhill, thus saving a lot of energy.
- You get to see the most archaeological sites within the Ancient City of Petra.
- Your route is unique, therefore you won’t need to pass any trail twice.
- The first half of the route is not crowdy which makes it a calm start of your hike
Continue reading if you want to learn more about the best hiking trail for Petra!
Access to the site
A one-day entry ticket costs 50 JOD (Jordanian Dinar), a two day entry ticket costs 55 JOD and a three day ticket is 60 JOD, which is quite pricey. However, if you’re a tourist and need a Jordan visa as well, your best bet is to purchase a Jordan Pass. A Jordan Pass costs 70 JOD for a one day Petra entry, 75 JOD for two days and 80 JOD for three days in Petra. As the Jordan visa costs seperately 40 JOD, it is a no-brainer to choose for the Jordan Pass. As a bonus, you’ll be able to enter a lot of other attraction within Jordan on this pass, included in this price. For more info check the official site of Jordan Pass.
Petra by Night
If you get the chance to see Petra by Night, I must admit that it is a very magical experience to do, even though you’d plan to visit the site during the day. Unfortunately, it is not included in the entrance fee nor in the Jordan Pass, so you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket of 30 JOD for this event.
The actual hiking trail
The hiking trail I totally recommend to everyone, is what I call the backdoor trail, all by foot and without extra costs! You’ll enjoy tranquillity as it is more off-the-beaten path, it is a one-way route and you won’t need to do the massive 1000 steps up to the monastery. Unfortunately, a lot of Petra maps do not show the whole route as they mainly show Petra and the Monastery, so I have constructed a Google Maps snapshot for you.
Getting there
It is very easy to get to your start point: Little Petra, also known as Siq Al-Berid. From the visitor centre you can catch a bus for free every 30 minutes, or when the bus is full. Just make sure to get a ticket first at the Petra visitor centre. You won’t miss this because they’ll just send you to the visitor centre if you try to board the bus without Petra ticket.
Little Petra
Upon arrival, you have the choice to discover Little Petra on your pace. If you’ve finished your stroll, you can either decide to ask for a jeep to bring you as close as possible to the monastery, which costs 5 JOD, or you can just start your hike. I really recommend the hike as it is very chill and you’ll pass some Bedouin camps with sheep and goats adding to the tranquil atmosphere. Don’t worry, with just your phone and looking around you won’t get lost!
Ad Deir Monastery
After a moderate hike of about 8 km, you’ll reach the stunning Ad-Deir Monastery, a colossal temple carved in the sandstone cliffs.
Back to Petra and the Visitor centre
From the monastery, you can start your descend using the stairs. From this point it will start to get busy and you will cross a lot of visitors out of breath who try to reach the monastery. Luckily, we are not part of that, thanks to the backdoor trail I shared with you :).
The route back to the visitor centre allows you to see many other archaeological sites of the Ancient City including the Treasury itself.
Other must knows
Although it may seem obvious to most, I’ll just give some tips when doing this hike:
- Check the weather forecast. Heavy rains could become dangerous in Petra so follow the advice of locals.
- Try to start as early as possible to avoid the heat.
- Wear comfortable shoes: sturdy footwear is essential for rocky terrain and steep stairs.
- Bring water and snacks: stay hydrated and keep yourself fueled!
- Protect yourself against the sun: use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat.
- Respect the environment and the locals: leave no trace and avoid disturbing the ancient ruins.
By choosing this alternative route, you’ll not only experience the grandeur of Petra but also discover a hidden gem that few tourists venture to. So, lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Jordan!
